Birthright Israel Foundation Thanks Billionaire Stewart Rahr

NEW YORK, July 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Birthright Israel Foundation today announced a new first time gift of $120,000 from gregarious New York billionaire philanthropist Stewart Rahr. Thanks to the 2013 Adelson Challenge, the $120,000 will be matched dollar for dollar and will fund two Birthright Israel buses, sending 80 young Jewish adults between the ages of 18-26 on a 10-day educational trip to Israel.

"We are excited to have Stewart join us as a significant supporter of Birthright Israel," said David Fisher, President of the Birthright Israel Foundation. "Thanks to his generosity we can continue to provide young Jewish adults with the gift of 10 days in Israel. We welcome Stewart Rahr to our family and hope that our relationship will only grow stronger over time."

The Birthright Israel Foundation provides financial support to the Birthright Israel program in North America. This support helps to ensure that the gift of a free, 10-day educational trip is available for young Jewish adults, ages 18-26, now and for generations to come.

About Birthright Israel Birthright Israel offers the gift of a free, 10-day educational trip to Israel for Jewish adults between the ages of 18 to 26. Since its inception in 2000, Birthright Israel has sent more than 330,000 young Jewish adults to Israel. They come from 62 countries, all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and from more than 1,000 North American colleges and universities.

The trip aims to strengthen participants' Jewish identity; to build an understanding, friendship and lasting bond with the land and people of Israel; and to reinforce the solidarity of the Jewish people worldwide.